The cost of computer memory has risen sharply since 2020, with some DDR4 capacities now costing more than twice as much as comparable kits from six years ago. In October 2020, a 32GB DDR4-3200 kit was available for $94.99. In October 2026, the cheapest comparable listing tracked by Tom's Hardware cost $198.
The same comparison showed 16GB DDR4-3200 kits at $104, 32GB kits at $198 and 64GB kits at $489. Compared with the 2020 reference prices, those amounts represent increases of approximately 73%, 108% and 139%, respectively. The figures are retail snapshots rather than yearly averages, and the products do not share identical brands or timings, but their capacities and advertised speeds match.
DDR5 memory has seen an even steeper rise. There is no direct 2020 comparison because DDR5 did not become mainstream in desktop PCs until late 2021. However, standard 32GB DDR5 kits sold for between $100 and $200 in October 2025. One year later, the least expensive DDR5-6000 kit listed in the tracker cost $454 for 32GB, while a 64GB kit started at $915.
The biggest increases have arrived in recent months. Demand from AI data centers has raised pressure on memory supplies since late 2025. These facilities require conventional server RAM in addition to specialized high-bandwidth memory, while manufacturers have reduced some DDR4 production and prioritized newer products.
TrendForce reported that conventional DRAM contract prices rose by approximately 93% to 98% quarter over quarter in the first quarter of 2026. Although those figures refer to wholesale pricing, consumer prices have also moved higher. Micron, meanwhile, exited its Crucial consumer business earlier in the year, citing growing AI data center demand and a focus on larger customers.
The cost of memory and storage is also affecting PC manufacturers. HP said the two categories would account for about 35% of its PC component costs in 2026, compared with 15% to 18% in the previous quarter, and warned that PC prices could increase.
The secondhand market offers some savings, but it is not back to 2020 levels. A 32GB Corsair DDR4-3200 kit sold on eBay for $129.99 plus $9 shipping in September 2026. Its total price of $138.99 was about $59 below the cheapest new equivalent in October, but still roughly 46% higher than the $94.99 new kit available in 2020.
Used memory can perform like new hardware, but warranties may not transfer to secondhand buyers. Buyers should verify compatibility, review the seller's return policy and test the modules with MemTest86 before the return period ends. Registered ECC server memory is also not a direct replacement for standard desktop RAM, and reusing existing DDR4 modules can limit motherboard options; AMD's AM5 platform, for example, requires DDR5.
Sources: Engadget.